Topical compositions and methods for treating psoriasis

ABSTRACT

Topical pharmaceutical compositions comprise a combination of a corticosteroid and a retinoid; and methods for treating psoriasis with same. In one embodiment, the corticosteroid comprises halobetasol propionate, and the retinoid comprises tazarotene.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/173,961, filed on Jun. 6, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/181,481, filed on Jun. 18, 2015. The contents of such related applications are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to topical compositions and methods for treating psoriasis. In particular, this invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of active ingredients, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis. More particularly, this invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a corticosteroid and a retinoid, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting approximately about 2-4 percent of the population world-wide. Over seven million people in the United States are affected. While the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not yet been fully elucidated, significant evidence indicates that epidermal changes occur as a secondary response to cellular immune infiltrates in the skin. Psoriasis is characterized by discrete areas of skin inflammation with redness, thickening, intense scaling, and in some cases, itching. The disease has significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals, both physically and psychologically. Today there is no cure for psoriasis, and treatment is directed at reducing the severity and extent of the psoriatic plaques and the related symptoms. The primary measurement of treatment success used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in evaluating products for the treatment of psoriasis is significant overall improvement in psoriasis severity based on Investigators Global Assessment.

Systemic therapy such as methotrexate, or biologics such as etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, etc. are the preferred treatment when the skin involvement is extensive; e.g., ten percent of the body surface area or more. A large number of those suffering from psoriasis have less extensive disease, and topical medications are considered a safer and more prudent alternative in most of these cases. Among the topical therapies are anti-inflammatory corticosteroids; particularly, the super potent ones such as halobetasol propionate, vitamin D derivatives, such as calcipotriene, a retinoid known as tazarotene, and coal tar. Each of the topical therapies has some degree of effectiveness, but each has limitations in the degree of improvement of the psoriatic plaques that can be achieved or the occurrence of adverse effects.

Halobetasol propionate (a topical corticosteroid) is commercially available and has been used to treat psoriasis for about 20 years or more at strength of 0.05% in a variety of dosage forms such as creams and ointments. Halobetasol is quite effective in improving the signs and symptoms of psoriasis; however both local and systemic adverse effects limit its chronic use. Treatment duration is limited to 2 weeks by FDA, and signs and symptoms of psoriasis often rebound (worsen) following the end of treatment.

For many years tazarotene (a retinoid) has been commercially available and has been used to treat psoriasis topically as creams and gels of 0.05% and 0.1%. Tazarotene generally shows moderate effectiveness in psoriasis; however its use in psoriasis is severely limited by local skin irritation. Dermatologists treated psoriasis and achieved good clinical results using sequential therapy with a corticosteroid in the morning and tazarotene applied in the evening.

The need still exists for more effective and safer topical medicaments with reduced adverse effects for the management of psoriasis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides topical compositions and methods for treating psoriasis.

In one aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of active ingredients selected from the group consisting of dermatological immune response-modulating agents and anti-proliferative agents, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis.

In another aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of: (a) a corticosteroid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) a retinoid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis. In one embodiment, such psoriasis is plaque psoriasis.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis. In one embodiment, such psoriasis is plaque psoriasis.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ethyl ester of tazarotenic acid, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis; wherein each of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ethyl ester of tazarotenic acid is present in the composition at a positive concentration of less than 0.09% based on the weight of the composition. A non-ethyl ester of tazarotenic acid is an ester of tazarotenic acid that is not the ethyl ester. For example, a non-ethyl ester can be methyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, isopentyl, aryl, phenyl, or naphthyl ester. In one embodiment, the concentration of halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.049 weight percent (“wt %”); and the concentration of tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt is in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.049 wt %.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides topical compositions and methods for treating psoriasis.

Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, the concentration of an ingredient of the composition is in percent by weight of the total composition.

In one aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of active ingredients selected from the group consisting of dermatological immune response-modulating agents and anti-proliferative agents, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis.

In another aspect, a topical pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used to treat or ameliorate psoriasis in patients suffering from moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

In yet another aspect, a topical pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used to treat or ameliorate psoriasis in patients with psoriasis covering up to about 12 percent of the body surface area.

The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that a topical dermatological composition comprising two different active ingredients selected from the group consisting of dermatological immune response-modulating agents and anti-proliferative agents is synergistically more efficacious than the combined efficacies of compositions, each comprising only one of the active ingredients in the treatment of psoriasis. In one aspect, one active ingredient is a corticosteroid, and the other active ingredient is a retinoid. Corticosteroids are also known alternatively as steroids, corticoids or glucocorticosteroids.

In particular, the inventors surprisingly discovered that a composition comprising halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid) is synergistically more efficacious than the combined efficacies (i.e., the sum of the efficacies) of compositions, each comprising only one of these active ingredients.

In another aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of: (a) a corticosteroid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) a retinoid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis.

In one aspect, a corticosteroid included in a composition of the present invention is selected from the corticosteroids of class 1. The classification of corticosteroids and examples thereof are disclosed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Class 1 - Superpotent Topical Corticosteroids Clobetasol propionate Betamethasone dipropionate Halobetasol propionate Fluocinonide Diflorasone diacetate

Clobetasol propionate and halobetasol propionate have been used for treating steroid responsive dermatoses, including psoriasis, always at a concentration of 0.05%, in various dosage forms including ointments, creams, solutions, sprays, and gels.

Betamethasone dipropionate has been used for treating steroid responsive dermatoses, including psoriasis, always at a concentration of 0.064% equivalent to 0.05% betamethasone, in several dosage forms including ointments, creams, gels and lotions.

Fluocinonide has been used for treating steroid responsive dermatoses, including psoriasis, at various concentrations ranging from 0.001% to 0.1%, in various dosage forms including ointments, creams, gels and solutions. Only the 0.1% formulations have been classified as superpotent.

Diflorasone diacetate has been used for treating steroid responsive dermatoses, including psoriasis, at various concentration of 0.05%, as an ointment and as a cream. Only ointment formulation has been classified as superpotent.

HPA axis suppression from long term use topical preparations containing clobetasol propionate and halobetasol propionate and other super potent corticosteroids has limited the duration of therapy allowed by FDA. The duration on therapy allowed in the labeling for super potent topical corticosteroids is normally limited to two weeks.

In one aspect, the corticosteroid is present at a concentration below that which is presently utilized in topical formulations. The formulation contains the corticosteroid at a positive concentration less than 0.05% w/w.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a corticosteroid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof is present in the composition at a positive concentration of less than 0.05% based on the weight of the composition. Alternatively, the corticosteroid is present in the composition at a concentration in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.049 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.04 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.035 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.03 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.025 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.015 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt %.

In still another aspect, a retinoid included in a composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of tazarotene, bexarotene, and adapalene. These retinoids are commonly known as third-generation retinoids.

In yet another aspect, a retinoid belonging to the group known as second-generation retinoids (such as etretinate and acitretin) may be used in a composition of the present invention for patients who suffer from the psoriatic condition.

In one aspect, the retinoid is present at a concentration below that which is presently utilized in topical formulations. For example, tazarotene or tazarotenic acid salt is included in a composition of the present invention at a positive concentration less than 0.05 wt %.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a retinoid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof is present in the composition at a positive concentration of less than 0.09% based on the weight of the composition. For example, the retinoid is present in the composition at a concentration in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.09 wt %, or from about 0.001 to about 0.08 wt %, or from about 0.001 to about 0.07 wt %, or from about 0.001 to about 0.06 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.09 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.08 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.07 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.06 wt %, or from about 0.001 to about 0.049 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.045 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.04 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.03 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.02 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.049 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.045 wt %, or from about 0.02 to about 0.045 wt %, or from about 0.03 to about 0.045 wt %.

In another aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ethyl ester of tazarotenic acid, for treating psoriasis; wherein (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof is present in the composition at a concentration in the range from about 0.005 to about 0.035 wt %, or from about 0.005 to about 0.025 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.025 wt %; and (b) tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ethyl ester of tazarotenic acid is present in the composition at a concentration in the range from about 0.001 to about 0.049 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.049 wt %, or from about 0.01 to about 0.045 wt %, or from about 0.02 to about 0.04 wt %, or from about 0.02 to about 0.045 wt %, or from about 0.03 to about 0.045 wt %.

In still another aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof at a concentration of 0.01 wt %; and (b) tazarotene at a concentration of 0.045 wt %, or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt at a concentration that provides 0.045 wt % as tazarotene, for treating psoriasis.

In still another aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof at a concentration of 0.01 wt %; and (b) tazarotene at a concentration of 0.045 wt %, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, other than ethyl ester, of tazarotenic acid at a concentration that provides 0.045 wt % as tazarotene, for treating psoriasis. Non-limiting examples of non-ethyl esters of tazarotenic acid are disclosed herein above.

In yet another aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a combination of: (a) halobetasol propionate at a concentration of 0.01 wt %; and (b) tazarotene at a concentration of 0.045 wt %, for treating psoriasis.

In one aspect, a topical pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is in the dosage form of gel, emulsion (including lotion, cream, and milk), shampoo, foam, suspension, liquid, spray, paste or ointment. In certain preferred embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is an oil-in-water emulsion, in which an internal oil phase is dispersed in a continuous aqueous phase. Alternatively, water-in-oil-in-water, water-in-oil and oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions are also contemplated. The emulsion may be a macroemulsion, a microemulsion, or a nanoemulsion. Also contemplated are other formulations in which an oil phase and a water phase coexist within the formulation, such as a multivesicular emulsion, which is not a true emulsion, disclosed in Espinoza, U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,663. Also contemplated is a liposomal dispersion in a gel, cream or other dosage form. Also contemplated are other formulations in which non-polar and polar liquid ingredients, with or without semipolar ingredients, coexist with the formulation.

In addition to the active ingredients as disclosed above, a composition of the present invention comprises one or more dermatologically acceptable excipients, such as liquid oils, waxes viscosity-modifying agents, thickening agents, gelling agents, alcohols, surfactants, chelating agents, buffers, preservatives, humectants, emollients, stabilizers, diluents, dispersing agents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, stabilizers, pH adjusters, solvents or cosolvents.

The formulation of the invention may desirably contain a thickening agent to provide viscosity so that the formulation may be provided in the form of a lotion, gel, cream, or ointment. Preferably, but not necessarily, the thickening agent is miscible or soluble in an aqueous fluid. Non-limiting examples of suitable thickening agents include acacia, alginic acid and its salts, hyaluronic acid and its salts, carbomers (also known as carboxy vinyl polymers, which are cross-linked polyacrylic acid), carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, poloxamers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, tragacanth, xanthan gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, and bentonite. The thickening agent may also reside in the oil or lipophilic portion of the formulation. Examples of suitable lipophilic thickening agents include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, white beeswax, microcrystalline wax, hydrogenated polyisobutane polymers, and emulsifying wax.

A suitable group of thickening agents is carbomers, such as Carbopol® and polycarbophil (The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, Ohio). Carbopol® homopolymers are polymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl sucrose or allylpentaerythritol. Carbopol® copolymers are polymers of acrylic acid and C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl acrylate crosslinked with allylpentaerythritol. Carbopol® interpolymers are carbomer homopolymers or copolymers that contain a block copolymer of polyethylene glycol and a long chain alkyl acid ester. Noveon® polycarbophil is a polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with divinyl glycol.

A surfactant or emulsifier is included, if desired or required. Pharmaceutically acceptable anionic, cationic, or non-ionic surfactants may be included in a composition of the present invention. Non-ionic surfactants are preferred. Non-limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants are Octoxynol (also known as Macrogol tetramethylbutylphenyl ether, octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol, or polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether), such as Octoxynol 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 30, 40, 70 (wherein the number indicates the number of repeating oxyethylene units), or other Octoxynols that comprise different numbers of repeating units of oxyethylene in the side chain, sorbitan esters (such as sorbitan monooleate and sorbitan monostearate, commonly known by their trade names Span 80 and Span 60), polysorbates (such as polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate), polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), commonly known by their trade names of Tween® 80, Tween® 60, Tween® 20), poloxamers (synthetic block polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, such as those commonly known by their trade names of Pluronic®; e.g., Pluronic® F127 or Pluronic® F108), or poloxamines (synthetic block polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide attached to ethylene diamine, such as those commonly known by their trade names of Tetronic®; e.g., Tetronic® 1508 or Tetronic® 908, etc.), other nonionic surfactants such as Brij® (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having a formula of CH₃—(CH₂)₁₀₋₁₆—(O—C₂H₄)₁₋₂₅—OH), Myrj® (stearic acid esterified with polyoxyethylene having 40-100 repeating oxyethylene units), and long chain fatty alcohols (e.g., oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, docosahexaenoyl alcohol, etc.) with carbon chains having about 12 or more carbon atoms (e.g., such as from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms).

In addition, polymeric emulsifiers such as those known under the trade name Pemulen™ (The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, Ohio) may be used. These are polymers of acrylic acid, modified by long chain (C₁₀-C₃₀) alkyl acrylates, and crosslinked with allylpentaerythritol.

An anionic emulsifier may be used, such as sodium or potassium oleate, triethanolamine stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium docusate. Less preferred are cationic emulsifiers such as quaternary ammonium salts. Still other emulsifiers include glyceryl monostearate, polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monolaurate, potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium oleate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, triethanolamine oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate.

The formulation desirably contains a dermatologically acceptable humectant such as glycerin, sorbitol, hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, or urea. In addition, the formulation may contain an emollient such as petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, light mineral oil, stearic acid, cyclomethicone, or dimethicone. Chelating agents such as EDTA and its salts may be included in a formulation of the present invention.

The liquid oil component of the composition includes one or more materials that are practically insoluble or insoluble in water and which are liquid at room temperature. For example, in one embodiment, the liquid oil component of the composition includes one or more materials that are practically insoluble or insoluble in water and which are liquid at room temperature of 22° C. The liquid oil component may be selected from one or more ingredients from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acid esters (“DCAE”), monocarboxylic acid esters (“MCAS”), fish-liver oil, long-chain triglycerides (wherein each side chain has 14-18 carbons, such as peanut oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil, cotton seed oil, or derivatives thereof), propylene glycol diesters, medium-chain triglycerides (such as those wherein each side chains has 8-10 carbons; e.g., capric/caprylic acid triglycerides), hydrocarbons like mineral oil, light mineral oil, squalene, and squalane, fatty alcohols (such as octyldodecanol and isostearyl alcohol), and fatty acids (such as isostearic acid and oleic acid).

In some embodiments, the liquid oil component comprises a dicarboxylic acid ester and light mineral oil. In some other embodiments, the liquid oil component comprises one or more long-chain triglycerides.

The formulation may include other lipophilic liquids in an amount that is sufficient to be miscible with the dicarboxylic acid ester and/or monocarboxylic acid ester. The lipophilic liquid may be an emollient such as lanolin oil, mineral oil, light mineral oil, isostearic acid, squalene, octyldodecanol, fractionated coconut oil, cyclomethicone, or dimethicone.

In addition to the liquid oil component, the formulation may contain water insoluble or practically insoluble ingredients that are not liquid at room temperature, but are soluble in the liquid oil component.

A DCAE that is suitable for the present invention has the formula R₁OOC—(CH₂)_(n)—COOR₂, wherein R₁ and R₂ are alkyl groups containing between 1 and 4 carbons or aryl groups and may be the same or may be different and wherein (CH₂)_(n) is a straight or branched chain and n is between 1 and 12. Examples of DCAEs containing one or more aryl groups are dibenzyl esters of dicarboxylic acids. A preferred dicarboxylic acid ester is diethyl sebacate, which has the formula CH₃CH₂OOC—(CH₂)₈—COOCH₂CH₃. Examples of other suitable dicarboxylic acid esters (where R₁ and R₂ are the same) are dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, diisopropyl, dibutyl and diisobutyl esters such as oxalate, malate, succinate, glutarate, adipate, pimelate, suberate, and azalate. Examples of suitable dicarboxylic acid esters (where R₁ is different from R₂) are methyl ethyl, methyl propyl, methyl butyl, methyl isopropyl, ethyl propyl, ethyl butyl, ethyl isopropyl, and propyl butyl esters such as oxalate, malate, succinate, glutarate, adipate, pimelate, suberate, azalate, and sebacate.

Alternatively, or in combination with the DCAE, the formulation may contain a MCAE. The MCAE that is suitable for the present invention has the formula CH₃—(CH₂)_(n)—COOR₁, wherein R₁ is an alkyl group containing between 1 and 4 carbons or an aryl group, and wherein (CH₂)_(n) is straight or branched chain and n is between 1 and 12. Examples of such monocarboxylic acid esters include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or an aryl such as benzyl formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, laurate, myristate, palmitate, and stearate. Examples of preferred monocarboxylic acid esters are isopropyl palmitate and isopropyl myristate.

The liquid oil phase may beneficially be used to dissolve one or more of the active ingredients within the emulsion or other type of formulation of the present invention. In one embodiment the corticosteroid and the retinoid are both dissolved in the liquid oil phase within the formulation at room temperature. In another embodiment the corticosteroid is dissolved in the liquid oil phase and the retinoid is suspended within the formulation at room temperature. In yet another embodiment the retinoid is dissolved in the liquid oil phase and the corticosteroid is suspended within the formulation at room temperature. In the case wherein the retinoid or the corticosteroid is suspended in the formulation, it is preferred that the suspended active ingredient be micronized, namely that the mean particle size is preferably about 25 microns in diameter or less.

In one aspect, a composition of the present invention comprises the ingredients at the concentrations shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Compositions of the Present Invention for Treating Psoriasis Concentration (wt %) Ingredient Range 1 Range 2 Range 3 Class-1 0.001-0.049  0.005-0.035  0.01-0.025 Corticosteroid Tazarotene or 0.01-0.049 0.02-0.045 0.03-0.045 Tazarotenic Acid Compound Emollient, Solvent, 0.5-40  1-25 2-20 and/or Thickener Emulsifier 0.25-10   0.5-7   1-5  Humectant 0-15 2-12 10 Polymeric Thickener 0.05-2    0.1-1.5  0.3-1   Pharmaceutical Aids q.s. q.s. q.s. Purified water q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100

Non-limiting examples of compositions of the present invention are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Some Emulsion Compositions of the Present Invention for Treating Psoriasis Concentration (wt %) Preferred Ingredient Function Range 1 Range 2 Range 3 embodiment Halobetasol propionate Class 1 0.001-0.04 0.005-0.03  0.005-0.02  0.01 Corticosteroid Tazarotene Retinoid  0.02-0.049  0.03-0.049  0.04-0.049 0.045 Diethyl sebacate Liquid Oil &  1-5 2-4 2.5-3.5 2.97 Solvent Light mineral oil Liquid Oil & Co-  5-15  5-10 7.5-8.5 8.03 Solvent Sorbitan monooleate Surfactant/ 0.01-1  0.02-0.5  0.05-0.2  0.1 Emulsifying Agent Sorbitol solution, 70% Humectant  5-15  7-12 10-11 10.7 Methyl paraben Antimicrobial 0.05-0.3 0.1-0.3 0.1-0.2 0.17 Preservative⁽¹⁾ Propyl paraben Antimicrobial 0.01-0.1 0.01-0.05 0.02-0.04 0.03 Preservative⁽¹⁾ Edetate disodium Chelating 0.02-0.1 0.02-0.7  0.03-0.06 0.05 dihydrate Agent⁽¹⁾ Carbomer copolymer Emulsifying 0.1-1  0.2-0.7 0.3-0.5 0.4 type B (e.g., Agent Pemulen ™ TR-1) Carbomer homopolymer Thickener  0.2-1.5 0.3-1  0.5-0.7 0.6 type A (e.g., Carbomer 981) Sodium hydroxide, pH-adjusting q.s. to pH q.s. to pH q.s. to pH q.s. to pH of 10% Solution Agent⁽¹⁾ of 5.5 ± 0.5 of 5.5 ± 0.5 of 5.5 ± 0.5 5.5 ± 0.5 Purified water Carrier q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 Note: ⁽¹⁾These ingredients are broadly classified as Pharmaceutical Aids.

A lotion having a composition as shown in the last column of Table 2 was prepared as follows.

A separate aqueous phase was made. In a manufacturing vessel equipped with a mixing implement (such as a propeller) and temperature control, purified water and disodium edetate dihydrate were combined and the mixture was agitated until a clear solution is achieved. Sorbitol, methylparaben, and propylparaben were then added to the mixture. The mixture was continuously mixed and was heated to approximately 75° C. The mixture was agitated until a solution was obtained. The mixture was then removed from the heat source and allowed to cool to below 40° C. with continued mixing. With continuous mixing, Carbopol® 981 was added to the mixture and dispersed. Mixing continued until Carbopol® 981 was fully dispersed and hydrated.

A separate oil phase was made. In a vessel equipped with a mixing implement such as a propeller, diethyl sebacate, halobetasol propionate, and tazarotene were combined. The mixture was agitated until a solution was achieved. With continuous mixing, light mineral oil and sorbitan monooleate were added. Mixing is continued until a solution is obtained.

In a separate vessel, a 1N solution of sodium hydroxide is prepared.

With high speed mixing, the oil phase containing the active ingredients (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) was added to the aqueous phase. Pemulen™ TR-1 was slowly added into the mixture. Mixing was continued until a homogeneous emulsion was obtained. Mixing speed was decreased and mixing continued for an additional time of 10 minutes to 1 hour. With continuous mixing, an appropriate amount of the sodium hydroxide solution was added incrementally to obtain a pH of 5.5±0.5. Mixing continued further until a homogeneous lotion was obtained, such as for 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Alternatively, Pemulen™ TR-1 may be added into the aqueous phase when it was made.

A clinical study in psoriasis patients was conducted to compare the efficacy of a composition of the present invention containing halobetasol propionate and tazarotene (“IDP-118”); placebo (“Vehicle”); a composition containing only halobetasol propionate (“HP”); and a composition containing only tazarotene (“Taz”). The compositions for the clinical studies are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Compositions for Clinical Studies Concentration (wt %) IDP-118 Halobetasol (Present Placebo propionate Tazarotene Ingredient Function Invention) (Vehicle) only only Halobetasol propionate, Active 0.01 0 0.01 0 micronized Ingredient Tazarotene Active 0.045 0 0 0.045 Ingredient Diethyl sebacate Emollient & 2.97 2.97 2.97 2.97 Solvent Light mineral oil Emollient & 8.03 8.03 8.03 8.03 Solvent Sorbitan monooleate Surfactant/ 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Emulsifying Agent Sorbitol solution, 70% Humectant 10.7 10.7 10.7 10.7 Methyl paraben Antimicrobial 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 Preservative Propyl paraben Antimicrobial 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Preservative Edetate disodium Chelating 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 dihydrate Agent Carbomer copolymer Emulsifying 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 type B Agent (Pemulen ™ TR-1) Carbomer homopolymer Thickener 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 type A (Carbomer 981) Sodium hydroxide pH-adjusting q.s. to pH q.s. to pH q.s. to pH q.s. to pH agent of 5.5 ± 0.5 of 5.5 ± 0.5 of 5.5 ±0.5 of 5.5 ± 0.5 Purified water Solvent q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100

A double blind clinical study was conducted whereby neither the psoriasis patient nor the investigator knew the identity of the test lotion assigned. The blindly labeled lotions were applied to the psoriasis plaques once daily. All test lotions were the same except for the differences is in active ingredients being studied. Approximately 212 subjects were randomized in a 2:2:2:1 ratio to receive IDP-118 (a composition of the present invention, comprising halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045%) Lotion, HP

(halobetasol propionate 0.01%) Lotion, Taz Lotion (tazarotene 0.045%), and Lotion Vehicle (no active ingredients), as follows:

-   -   59 subjects to IDP-118 Lotion (“IDP 118 group”)     -   63 subjects to HP 0.01% Lotion (“HP group”)     -   59 subjects to Taz 0.045% Lotion (“Taz group”)     -   31 subjects to Lotion Vehicle (“Vehicle group”).

Eighteen investigative centers participated in the clinical study, each following the same protocol.

The key enrollment criteria were that each subject had at least moderate severity of psoriasis; i.e., a score of 3 or 4, as defined by the Investigator Global Assessment (“IGA”) scale shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Investigator's Global Assessment Score Grade Description 0 Clear No evidence of scaling No evidence of erythema No evidence of plaque elevation above normal skin level 1 Almost clear Some plaques with fine scales Faint pink/light red erythema on most plaques Slight or barely perceptible elevation of plaques above normal skin level 2 Mild Most to all plaques have some fine scales but are not fully covered, some plaques are completely covered with fine scale Most to all plaques are pink/light red to bright red in color Some plaques have definite elevation above normal skin level, typically with edges that are indistinct and sloped on some of the plaques 3 Moderate Some plaques are at least partially covered with a coarse scale, most to all plaques are nearly covered with fine or course scale; Most to all plaques are bright red, some plaque may be dark red in color Definite elevation of most to all plaques; rounded or sloped edges on most of the plaques 4 Severe Most to all plaques are covered with coarse, thick scales Most or all plaques are bright, dark or dusky red Almost all plaques are raised and well-demarcated; sharp edges on virtually all plaques

For each patient the investigator determined and recorded the treatable areas affected by psoriasis at the Baseline visit. Treatable areas were defined as all areas of psoriasis identified at Baseline comprising a body surface area (BSA) of 3% to 12% and designated for treatment with study drug. According to protocol the treatable affected areas did not include the face, scalp, palms, soles, axillae, or intertriginous areas. If palms and soles were affected, study drug could be applied at the discretion of the investigator; however, these areas were not included in the treatable BSA or efficacy assessments. Also a target lesion (psoriasis plaque) was identified and at the Baseline visit to be used solely for assessment of three signs of psoriasis: erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling.

The assigned study drug was applied topically to the affected area (as determined by the investigator at Baseline) once daily for 8 weeks. The initial application was made at the investigational center during the day as per instruction from the study coordinator or designee. The subjects were instructed to avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent sunburn. Subjects applied their daily treatments at home as explained by the study coordinator or designee at each investigational center. The subjects were asked to return their used containers of study drug at their clinic visits on Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Subjects were asked to not apply study drug on the day of a clinic visit until after assessments were completed at the clinic. The study coordinator or designee at each investigational center dispensed 2 new containers of study drug to each subject at Baseline and Weeks 2, 4, and 6. Upon completion of the 8-week treatment period all study drug supplies were turned-in to the investigational center, and all subjects were asked to return to the investigational center 4 weeks later for a post-treatment cessation follow-up visit (Week 12). During the study, each subject was only permitted to use approved non-medicated cleansers and moisturizers; no sunscreens or other skin care products were permitted on the treatment areas.

The investigator monitored the efficacy at each study visit by assessing the treatable area and determining the IGA score for psoriasis severity, and grading the target lesion for erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling in each subject.

Information on reported and observed adverse events (“AEs”) was obtained at each visit. An abbreviated physical examination was performed at Baseline, Week 8 (end of treatment), and Week 12 (the 4-week post-treatment cessation follow-up visit) for all subjects.

The signs of psoriasis (erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling) were assessed for the selected target lesion using the grading scales displayed in Table 4. Improvements in these signs are a measure of the efficacy of a studied drug. Efficacy assessment was made at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks during the treatment phase and at the 12-week visit (the 4-week post treatment follow-up visit).

Tolerability was evaluated through assessments of selected local signs and symptoms (itching, dryness, and burning/stinging). In addition, the treatment areas were examined by the evaluator at each visit for presence or absence of significant known drug-related adverse events: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, and folliculitis.

Efficacy of the four study drugs was assessed based on the IGA scores, that is improvement in the IGA psoriasis severity score over time.

Clinical Efficacy was determined based on the percentage of subjects who were treatment successes.

The IDP-118 group was compared to each of the other treatment groups: (1) HP group, (2) Taz group, and (3) Vehicle group.

To be judged as a treatment success, subjects had to show two-grade improvement in IGA from the baseline, and to have an IGA score of “clear, or almost clear” at the evaluation time. Subjects not achieving treatment success by this standard were considered treatment failures, even though such subjects may have experienced some degree of improvement in their psoriasis.

Results

The efficacy of IDP-118 comprising Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% and Tazarotene 0.045% is shown and discussed.

After completion of the clinical study the blinding codes were broken and the results tabulated. Data for dichotomized IGA with subjects categorized as Treatment Success or Failures are presented in Table 6.

As required by FDA success was defined as at least a two-grade improvement from Baseline in the IGA score and an IGA score equating to ‘Clear’ or ‘Almost Clear’. Also shown in Table 7 is the statistical analysis of IDP-118 compared to each of the other treatment groups based on the percentage of subjects achieving Treatment Success. P-values are from a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test using pairwise tests comparing IDP-118 to Vehicle, IDP-118 to HP and IDP-118 to Taz. Week 12 is the follow-up evaluation time, 4 weeks after the end of treatment.

TABLE 6 Treatment Successes and Failures Based on Improvement in IGA Score Dichotomized IDP-118 HP 0.01% Taz 0.045% Vehicle IGA^((a)) (N = 59) (N = 63) (N = 59) (N = 31) Week 2 No. of 59 63 59 31 Subjects Success 7 3 1 0 Failure 52 60 58 31 p-value^((b)) 0.155 0.029 0.047 Week 4 No. of 59 63 59 31 Subjects Success 15 11 1 2 Failure 44 52 58 29 p-value^((b)) 0.285 <0.001 0.030 Week 6 No. of 59 63 59 31 Subjects Success 19 16 9 1 Failure 40 47 50 30 p-value^((b)) 0.408 0.031 0.002 Week 8 No. of 59 63 59 31 Subjects Success 31 21 11 3 Failure 28 42 48 28 p-value^((b)) 0.033 <0.001 <0.001 Week 12 No. of 55 62 47 29 Subjects Success 21 13 6 2 Failure 34 49 41 27 p-value^((b)) 0.042 0.004 0.002 ^((a))Success was defined as at least a two-grade improvement from Baseline in the IGA score and an IGA score equating to ‘Clear’ or ‘Almost Clear’. ^((b))p-value from a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Pairwise tests were conducted comparing IDP-118 to Vehicle and IDP-118 to HP or Taz.

TABLE 7 Percentage of Subjects Achieving Treatment Success HP Taz Duration IDP-118 0.01% 0.045% Vehicle Week 2 11.9 4.8 1.7 0 Week 4 25.4 17.5 1.7 6.5 Week 8 52.5 33.3 18.6 9.7 Week 12 38.2 21.0 12.8 6.9

Actual Clinical Efficacy compared to Predicted Additive Clinical Efficacy (as a percentage of subjects achieving “Treatment Success”) is shown in Table 8. The “Treatment Success” percentages for the active treatment groups (IDP-118, HP, and Taz) were corrected for vehicle effect by subtracting the actual Vehicle group results from each to determine the net Treatment Success are shown as a percentage of the number of subjects treated.

TABLE 8 Comparative Treatment Success Rates for IDP-118, HP, and Taz Groups Control-Adjusted Percentage of Patients Achieving Treatment Success During the Study HP Taz HP + Taz IDP-118 Duration Actual Actual Calculated Actual Week 2 4.8 1.7 6.5 11.9 Week 4 11 −4.8 6.2 18.9 Week 8 23.6 8.9 32.5 42.8

The synergistic effect of IDP-118 is illustrated by comparing the clinical efficacy from IDP-118 to the predicted efficacy from combining HP and Taz (see Table 9). The control-adjusted percentage of patients who were successfully treated with IDP-118 was greater than the sum of control-adjusted percentages of patients who were successfully treated singly with HP and Taz at all evaluation times: 2 weeks of treatment, 4 weeks of treatment, 8 weeks of treatment, and 4 weeks after the completion of 8 weeks of treatment (Week 12).

TABLE 9 Synergistic Clinical Efficacy of IDP-118 at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 Percent of Patients Achieving Treatment Success Ratio of IDP-118 HP + Taz Actual to Duration Actual Calculated Expected Week 2 11.9 6.5 1.8 Week 4 18.9 6.2 3.0 Week 8 42.8 32.5 1.3 Week 12 31.3 20 1.6

The efficacy of IDP-118 was compared to that of HP (halobetasol propionate 0.01%), Taz (tazarotene 0.045%) and the placebo (vehicle of IDP-118) in terms of success in resolving erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling. The results are shown in Tables 10-12. The success rate for IDP-118 is higher than that of HP, and much higher than those for Taz and placebo. These comparisons were made on assessments of a target lesion that was identified at baseline before treatment was commenced.

The percentage of patients who experienced adverse events, as indicated by itching, burning, and stinging, is much lower for those who were treated with IDP-118 than those treated with HP or Taz. The results are shown in Table 13.

TABLE 10 Severity of Erythema Through Time Base- Week Week Week Week Week line 2 4 6 8 12 IDP-118 Erythema Number of 59 59 59 59 59 55 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 0.0% 10.2% 6.8% 11.9% 16.4% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 23.7% 32.2% 37.3% 44.1% 32.7% 2 - Mild 6.8% 37.3% 30.5% 35.6% 28.8% 32.7% 3 - Moderate 89.8% 39.0% 25.4% 18.6% 15.3% 18.2% 4 - Severe 3.4% 0.0% 1.7% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% HP 0.01% Erythema Number of 63 63 63 63 63 62 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 3.2% 7.9% 12.7% 14.3% 11.3% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 12.7% 33.3% 34.9% 33.3% 29.0% 2 - Mild 7.9% 38.1% 23.8% 27.0% 33.3% 22.6% 3 - Moderate 84.1% 44.4% 34.9% 25.4% 17.5% 33.9% 4 - Severe 7.9% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 1.6% 3.2% Taz 0.045% Erythema Number of 59 59 59 59 59 47 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 0.0% 3.4% 1.7% 1.7% 4.3% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 5.1% 5.1% 20.3% 20.3% 25.5% 2 - Mild 8.5% 22.0% 42.4% 30.5% 32.2% 36.2% 3 - Moderate 81.4% 57.6% 37.3% 39.0% 37.3% 34.0% 4 - Severe 10.2% 15.3% 11.9% 8.5% 8.5% 0.0% Vehicle (N = 31) Erythema Number of 31 31 31 31 31 29 Subjects 0 - Clear 0.0% 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 1 - None 0.0% 9.7% 6.5% 16.1% 9.7% 10.3% 2 - Minimum 6.5% 25.8% 19.4% 12.9% 25.8% 34.5% 3 - Moderate 87.1% 58.1% 61.3% 67.7% 54.8% 51.7% 4 - Severe 6.5% 6.5% 9.7% 3.2% 6.5% 3.4%

TABLE 11 Degree of Plaque Elevation Through Time Base- Week Week Week Week Week line 2 4 6 8 12 IDP-118 Plaque Elevation Number of 59 59 59 59 59 55 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 10.2% 28.8% 33.9% 40.7% 32.7% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 37.3% 32.2% 28.8% 32.2% 21.8% 2 - Mild 15.3% 35.6% 23.7% 23.7% 16.9% 30.9% 3 - Moderate 79.7% 15.3% 13.6% 13.6% 10.2% 12.7% 4 - Severe 5.1% 1.7% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% HP 0.01% Plaque Elevation Number of 63 63 63 63 63 62 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 9.5% 17.5% 20.6% 25.4% 22.6% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 14.3% 17.5% 33.3% 33.3% 30.6% 2 - Mild 17.5% 27.0% 36.5% 27.0% 22.2% 21.0% 3 - Moderate 73.0% 44.4% 27.0% 17.5% 17.5% 22.6% 4 - Severe 9.5% 4.8% 1.6% 1.6% 1.6% 3.2% Taz 0.045% Plaque Elevation Number of 59 59 59 59 59 47 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 3.4% 3.4% 5.1% 5.1% 10.6% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 10.2% 28.8% 44.1% 39.0% 23.4% 2 - Mild 10.2% 40.7% 35.6% 23.7% 30.5% 31.9% 3 - Moderate 84.7% 42.4% 27.1% 23.7% 20.3% 31.9% 4 - Severe 5.1% 3.4% 5.1% 3.4% 5.1% 2.1% Vehicle Plaque Elevation Number of 31 31 31 31 31 29 Subjects 0 - Clear 0.0% 0.0% 3.2% 3.2% 6.5% 0.0% 1 - None 0.0% 6.5% 9.7% 3.2% 12.9% 17.2% 2 - Minimum 12.9% 29.0% 22.6% 29.0% 19.4% 37.9% 3 - Moderate 71.0% 61.3% 61.3% 61.3% 51.6% 34.5% 4 - Severe 16.1% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2% 9.7% 10.3%

TABLE 12 Degree of Scaling Through Time Base- Week Week Week Week Week line 2 4 6 8 12 IDP-118 Scaling Number of 59 59 59 59 59 55 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 6.8% 20.3% 20.3% 37.3% 29.1% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 37.3% 39.0% 50.8% 35.6% 38.2% 2 - Mild 16.9% 33.9% 33.9% 25.4% 18.6% 21.8% 3 - Moderate 76.3% 20.3% 6.8% 3.4% 8.5% 10.9% 4 - Severe 6.8% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% HP 0.01% Scaling Number of 63 63 63 63 63 62 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 4.8% 17.5% 20.6% 30.2% 21.0% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 22.2% 27.0% 33.3% 33.3% 30.6% 2 - Mild 15.9% 36.5% 36.5% 28.6% 22.2% 24.2% 3 - Moderate 73.0% 33.3% 17.5% 15.9% 12.7% 21.0% 4 - Severe 11.1% 3.2% 1.6%) 1.6% 1.6%) 3.2% Taz 0.045% Scaling Number of 59 59 59 59 59 47 Subjects 0 - None 0.0% 1.7% 0.0% 3.4% 1.7% 8.5% 1 - Minimum 0.0% 13.6% 23.7% 37.3% 37.3% 27.7% 2 - Mild 27.1% 37.3% 40.7% 22.0% 22.0% 25.5% 3 - Moderate 62.7% 39.0% 30.5% 33.9% 35.6% 36.2% 4 - Severe 10.2%) 8.5% 5.1% 3.4% 3.4% 2.1% Vehicle Scaling Number of 31 31 31 31 31 29 Subjects 0 - Clear 0.0% 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 12.9% 3.4% 1 - None 0.0% 6.5% 19.4% 19.4% 16.1% 17.2% 2 - Minimum 16.1% 38.7% 25.8% 22.6% 25.8% 37.9% 3 - Moderate 67.7% 48.4% 41.9% 48.4% 38.7% 37.9% 4 - Severe 16.1%) 6.5% 9.7% 9.7% 6.5% 3.4%

TABLE 13 Frequency of Local Skin Reactions Through Time Base- Week Week Week Week Week line 2 4 6 8 12 Itching IDP-118 Number of 59 59 57 57 55 55 Subjects 0 - None 35.6% 52.5% 50.9% 57.9% 63.6% 67.3% 1 - Mild 23.7% 33.9% 40.4% 35.1% 20.0% 25.5% 2 - Moderate 39.0% 11.9%) 8.8% 5.3% 12.7% 7.3% 3 - Severe 1.7% 1.7% 0.0% 1.8%) 3.6% 0.0% HP 0.01% Number of 62 62 62 61 62 62 Subjects 0 - None 32.3% 46.8% 58.1% 59.0% 72.6% 38.7% 1 - Mild 21.0% 30.6% 32.3% 31.1% 16.1% 30.6% 2 - Moderate 32.3% 19.4% 9.7% 9.8% 11.3% 21.0% 3 - Severe 14.5% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.7% Taz 0.045% Number of 58 57 48 49 47 47 Subjects 0 - None 29.3% 35.1% 35.4% 32.7% 36.2% 46.8% 1 - Mild 22.4% 26.3% 31.3% 36.7% 34.0% 38.3% 2 - Moderate 41.4% 26.3% 27.1% 24.5% 23.4% 12.8% 3 - Severe 6.9% 12.3% 6.3% 6.1% 6.4% 2.1% Vehicle Number of 31 31 31 31 30 29 Subjects 0 - None 22.6% 35.5% 45.2% 38.7% 33.3% 48.3% 1 - Mild 29.0% 35.5% 25.8% 25.8% 33.3% 27.6% 2 - Moderate 38.7% 19.4% 16.1% 25.8% 23.3% 20.7% 3 - Severe 9.7% 9.7% 12.9% 9.7% 10.0% 3.4% Burning/ Stinging IDP-118 Number of 59 59 57 57 55 55 Subjects 0 - None 71.2% 79.7% 73.7% 77.2% 70.9% 89.1% 1 - Mild 10.2% 13.6% 15.8% 12.3% 21.8% 10.9% 2 - Moderate 18.6% 6.8% 10.5% 8.8% 7.3% 0.0% 3 - Severe 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 0.0% HP 0.01% Number of 62 62 62 61 62 62 Subjects 0 - None 62.9% 77.4% 79.0% 88.5% 91.9% 83.9% 1 - Mild 11.3% 14.5% 16.1% 9.8% 6.5% 9.7% 2 - Moderate 19.4% 6.5% 4.8% 1.6% 1.6% 4.8% 3 - Severe 6.5% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.6% Taz 0.045% Number of 58 57 48 49 47 47 Subjects 0 - None 72.4% 63.2% 64.6% 57.1% 68.1% 85.1% 1 - Mild 10.3% 17.5% 18.8% 30.6% 19.1% 10.6% 2 - Moderate 17.2% 12.3% 14.6% 8.2% 12.8% 4.3% 3 - Severe 0.0% 7.0% 2.1% 4.1% 0.0% 0.0% Vehicle Number of 31 31 31 31 30 29 Subjects 0 - None 54.8% 71.0% 74.2% 71.0% 76.7% 72.4% 1 - Mild 19.4% 19.4% 16.1% 22.6% 3.3% 6.9% 2 - Moderate 22.6% 6.5% 3.2% 3.2% 13.3% 17.2% 3 - Severe 3.2% 3.2% 6.5% 3.2% 6.7% 3.4%

IDP-118 was consistently more effective than HP 0.01%, Taz 0.045%, or vehicle in achieving treatment success, defined as at least a two-grade improvement from Baseline in the IGA score at baseline and a score of Clear or Almost Clear at the evaluation time. IDP-118 demonstrated statistically significant superiority over vehicle as early as two weeks after starting treatment. At Week 8 end of treatment, 52.5% of subjects in the IDP-118 group had treatment success compared with 33.3% in the HP group, 18.6% in the Taz group, and 9.7% in the Vehicle group (see Table 5). Pairwise tests comparing IDP-118 with vehicle and HP 0.01% or Taz 0.045% showed statistically significant treatment group differences at both Week 8 (end of treatment) and Week 12 (4-week post-treatment follow-up). Of the subjects in the IDP-118 group who achieved treatment success at Week 8, more than half maintained status (treatment success) at Week 12 some four weeks after the completion of daily application of the test material, demonstrating the absence of a corticosteroid rebound effect.

Mean absolute and percent changes in the IGA score from Baseline at each visit were consistent with the results of the dichotomized IGA. At Week 8, the mean change from Baseline IGA score was −1.42 in the IDP-118 group compared with −1.24 in the HP group, −0.64 in the Taz group, and −0.42 in the Vehicle group.

There were no serious adverse reactions reported in any of the patients treated with IDP-118 during the eight-week period of daily application of the composition or the four-week medication-free follow-up period.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating psoriasis. The method comprises topically applying to an affected area of the body of a subject suffering from psoriasis any one of the compositions of the present invention, as disclosed herein, one or more times per day for a period of time sufficient to treat such psoriasis. For example, such a period of time may be 1 to 30 days or longer as needed For example, such a period of time may be one week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, twelve weeks, or longer as needed. For example, a composition of the present invention is applied topically to affected areas of the body once per day for 7-14 days. Alternatively, it may be applied two or three times per day for 7-14 days. Alternatively, it may be applied once per day for one week to six months. For example, it may be applied once per day for two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, or twelve weeks. In one embodiment, the treatment may be stopped for 1-7 days (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days) after an extended treatment period before it is resumed for another extended treatment period. Such an extended period may be 7 days, 7-14 days, 7-21 days, 7-30 days, or longer before more treatment is needed or desired.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating psoriasis topically with pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester; wherein each of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester is present in the composition at a positive concentration of less than 0.05% based on the weight of the composition; wherein the clinical efficacy of the combination is greater than that of either the halobetasol component or the tazarotene component at the same concentration when used alone.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating psoriasis topically with pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester; wherein each of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester is present in the composition at a positive concentration of less than 0.05% based on the weight of the composition; wherein the clinical success rate of the combination is synergistic compared to the clinical success rate of the halobetasol component at the same concentration used alone plus the clinical success rate of the tazarotene component used alone at the same concentration.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester thereof, and methods using the same, for treating psoriasis; wherein the pharmaceutical composition is a cream, lotion, ointment, gel, shampoo, suspension, paste, plaster, foam, spray or solution. Prophetic examples of formulations of some of these types are illustrated in Table 14.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating psoriasis topically with pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester; wherein the composition is applied at least once daily for 4 weeks, such as for 6 weeks or 8 weeks.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating psoriasis topically with pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of: (a) halobetasol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or ester thereof; and (b) a tazarotene or a pharmaceutically acceptable tazarotenic acid salt, or ester; wherein the composition is applied once daily for more than 2 weeks, such as 4 weeks, for 6 weeks or for 8 weeks without any serious adverse events (side effects).

In yet another aspect, a composition of the present invention that can be used in any of the methods disclosed herein can be in the form of a solution, a spray, a milk, a foam, or an ointment. Non-limiting examples of these compositions are shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Examples of Various Dosage Forms of Compositions of the Present Invention Solution Spray Milk Foam Ointment Ingredient Concentration (% wt) Corticosteroid  0.001-0.049 0.001-0.049  0.001-0.049 0.001-0.049  0.001-0.049  Tazarotene or tazarotenic acid  0.01-0.049 0.01-0.049  0.01-0.049 0.01-0.049 0.01-0.049 Humectant    0-15.0  0-15.0   0-15.0  0-15.0 — Antimicrobial preservative 0.01-0.4 0.01-0.4  0.01-0.4  0.01-0.4  — Chelating agent 0.02-0.1 0.02-0.1  0.02-0.1  0.02-0.1  — Emollients/Lipophilic Solvents qsad 100 0.5-50.0  0.5-50.0 0.5-50.0 0.5-50.0 Volatile solvent — qsad 100 — — — Non-ionic polyethoxylated compounds — — — — — Non-ionic sorbitan compounds — — 0.5-5.0 — 0.5-5.0  Polyoxyethylene fatty ethers — — — 0.5-10.0 — Fatty alcohols — — —  1-8.0 1.0-10.0 Petrolatum — — — — qsad 100 Pharmaceutical aids (pH adjustment) — — 0.1-5.0 0.1-5.0  — Purified water — — qsad 100 qsad 100 —

In still another aspect, a composition of the present invention may be used in conjunction with another method of treatment of psoriasis, such as phototherapy (e.g., with ultraviolet light).

In yet another aspect, a composition of the present invention may be used in conjunction with another medicament for treating psoriasis. Such other medicament may be an anti-TNF-α agent (e.g., infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or golimumab), an agent targeting the Th17/IL-23 axis (e.g., ustekinumab or briakinumab), a protein kinase C inhibitor (e.g., AEB071), a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (e.g., BMS-582949), a FMS-like tyrosine kinase inhibitor (e.g., lestaurtinib), a Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib, ASP-015K, or INCB018424), a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor (e.g., apremilast, AN2728, or MK0873), a nerve growth factor inhibitor (e.g., CF101), an anti-folate agent (e.g., methotrexate, aminopterin, or BCX-4208), a calcineurin inhibitor (e.g., cyclosporine), an anti-angiogenic agent (e.g., anti-VEGF antibody or soluble VEGFR), or a vitamin D analog or derivative. Such other medicament may be administered to a patient at substantially the same time or at a different time. Such other medication may be administered topically, orally, or by injection or infusion.

While the present disclosure shows and describes a number of exemplary embodiments, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various further modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to particular compositions, processes, methods, or structures herein shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating psoriasis, the method comprising topically applying a pharmaceutical composition to an affected area of a body of a subject suffering from psoriasis; wherein the composition comprises: (a) halobetasol propionate at a concentration of 0.01 percent by weight of the composition; (b) tazarotene at a concentration of 0.045 percent by weight of the composition; and (c) an aqueous dermatologically acceptable carrier comprising carbomer copolymer type B, carbomer homopolymer type A, and a liquid oil comprising diethyl sebacate and light mineral oil; wherein said applying is carried out one or more times per day for a period of time sufficient to treat such psoriasis and wherein the composition comprising the halobetasol propionate and the tazarotene at said concentrations is capable of providing synergistic efficacy and synergistic reduction of at least an adverse event selected from the group consisting of itching, burning, and stinging in said treating.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying is carried out once per day for eight weeks.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said halobetasol propionate and said tazarotene are dissolved in a component of said liquid oil of the oil-in-water emulsion.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said emulsion is a lotion.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein said emulsion is a cream.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the method continues to provide relief to said psoriasis for a period of four weeks after said eight weeks of application of said composition. 